Events in Pasadena, CA

Awareness is the starting point for prevention. Now in its 11th year, this hybrid suicide awareness and prevention conference focuses on equipping attendees with practical tools. The program offers guidance on identifying warning signs, providing compassionate support to people in crisis, and encouraging healing within the community. The aim is to empower participants to help create meaningful change.

Start your weekend with fitness that blends movement, mindfulness, and community. In collaboration with Vuori, the Courtyard Series offers a rotating mix of classes led by local studios and instructors, with formats that range from strength and conditioning to mobility and recovery so there is always something new to try. Sessions take place in an upstairs office space; look for the stairwell across from Sushi Roku, just to the right of the IPIC marquee, then head to the second set of double doors on the balcony. Bring a yoga mat, comfortable athletic wear, water, and any additional items you prefer for your workout.

A new contra dance has launched at St. James' Episcopal Church in South Pasadena, bringing the community back together at a fresh location with convenient parking. The evening features an introductory lesson followed by social dancing, and it is open to all ages and experience levels. No partner is needed. Admission is offered on a sliding scale at $20, with a $10 option for ages 30 and under, and free entry for those 18 and younger. Friends are encouraged to come along to help keep the music and dance scene thriving.

Part of a monthly series of workshops created to support family healing, this Mental Health Monday session focuses on life at home when everything shifts, including displacement and uncertainty. Framed by the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, it recognizes that the effects reached beyond damaged property, disrupting routines, neighborhood bonds, and a sense of safety. The gathering offers a supportive setting to talk about the emotional toll of being uprooted, explore ways to move through uncertain times, and pinpoint constructive coping tools while settling into a different day to day.

Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer, part of The Criminal Mind Live! Lecture Series at The Alex Theatre, features forensic psychologist Dr. Debra Warner, Psy.D. The presentation explores how the field of forensic psychology examines serial offenders, with a focus on criminal behavior, trauma, and profiling. Dr. Warner, a nationally recognized authority in these areas, shares insights into the psychological forces behind serial crime and the methods experts use to understand offenders.

An artist-driven LA tattoo convention in Pasadena, CA, the Golden State Tattoo Expo brings together leading artists, serious collectors, and top sponsors. It offers opportunities for artists to tattoo alongside renowned peers, connect with dedicated collectors, and gain meaningful exposure in a setting designed to inspire from start to finish. Hosted by Nikko Hurtado and Carlos Torres, presented by Sullen Clothing, and powered by Ink Admin, with MC Hoon Kim.

Visionarium Live Italian hosts an evening of live blues featuring guitarist Shea Welsh, known for expressive playing, energetic shows, and a commanding stage presence. The music pairs with Italian fare, select wines, and craft cocktails for a full night out. Admission is $25 per guest, and that amount is fully credited toward food and beverages during the event. Each booking includes a reserved table so you can relax and take in the performance, and capacity is limited.

Purdue Boilermakers face the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium in a meeting between teams from different conferences. The matchup spotlights contrasting approaches on the field, blending the Big Ten's physical style with UCLA's West Coast brand of football.

Pasadena ARTWalk is a free annual art fair in Playhouse Village that showcases unique creations by local Pasadena artisans. Attendees can explore handmade pieces across a variety of genres, including original art, ceramics, and jewelry. Celebrating its 18th year, the event is presented in partnership by Playhouse Village and Jackalope Arts. It is open to all ages, accessible for visitors with disabilities, and welcomes leashed pets.

Moon Festival 2026 is a free community celebration co-hosted by the South Pasadena Chinese-American Club (SPCC) and the City of South Pasadena. Held at the South Pasadena Community Room and Library Park, it features live entertainment, hands-on arts and crafts, fun contests, and music from DJ Primuth. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

At Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 719, Altadena residents can gather for a free Wellness and Recovery Event focused on support for those affected by the Eaton Fire and ongoing recovery. Attendees can connect with wellness services, community resources, local vendors and nonprofits, and find recovery information along with a welcoming space to reconnect with the community. Free entry is available for Altadena residents, with gift cards for the first 100 verified residents and raffles for additional attendees. To access resident benefits, proof of residency is required, such as a driver’s license, California ID, a utility bill, or lease or property documentation. Registration is requested to confirm attendance, and raffle opportunities increase based on the number of registered guests someone brings. Presented by Altadena Talks Foundation and sponsored by Nadrich Law Corporation and Dena Fire Law, this gathering continues local efforts to ensure the community has access to the resources needed to move forward.

Musical Storytime brings a playful mix of picture books and music to the Gamble House lawn with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Led by Rachael Denny, chair of PCM’s Young Musicians Department, this free, drop-in program turns stories into interactive musical play that highlights themes of seasons, nature, and creativity connected to the house and grounds. Attendees may bring a blanket and snacks and relax beneath the large oak tree while enjoying selections such as Moo Baa La La La and Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton, Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner, This Is A Moment by Micah Player, Together by Mona Damluji, and To See An Owl by Matthew Cordell. No reservations are needed. The program will be canceled during rain or when temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Support is provided by a grant from Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.

Al Di Meola appears with his acoustic ensemble in The Guitarchitect, a carefully designed concert that spans five decades of music, pairs cinematic visuals with onstage storytelling, and reflects the experiences that have guided his artistry. The program salutes legacy and innovation while tracing the continual evolution of his sound, delivered with the exacting touch and intensity that have marked his international career. Recognized as a defining voice in contemporary instrumental music, Di Meola blends jazz, rock, Latin, Mediterranean, and global traditions with intricate rhythmic language, thoughtful composition, and remarkable precision. His honors include a Grammy Award, the Miles Davis and BBC Lifetime Achievement awards, multiple Guitar Player Magazine Best Guitarist wins, and repeated recognition in DownBeat Magazine’s Readers Poll, with frequent placement among lists of the greatest guitarists. He first came to prominence in the mid 1970s with Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, a period that reshaped the landscape of instrumental music. A prolific solo path followed, beginning with Land of the Midnight Sun and continuing through albums such as Elegant Gypsy, Casino, Splendido Hotel, Electric Rendezvous, and Scenario. His landmark acoustic work with Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin produced Friday Night in San Francisco, a benchmark recording that broadened global perceptions of acoustic guitar performance. His musical viewpoint draws deeply from classical and global traditions, including a strong affinity for Astor Piazzolla’s spirit and finely crafted reimaginings of the Lennon and McCartney songbook through his own harmonic and rhythmic lens. In recent years he has reshaped the live format into an immersive, cohesive journey that integrates music with curated visuals and narrative flow. His ongoing cultural presence has also included a benefit appearance with Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello in support of victims of ICE cruelty and the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Closely tied to Italy and the Mediterranean world, he is often seen as an ambassador of that culture, bringing its lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and refinement to the stage. This concert offers a panoramic view of a storied career, uniting performance, imagery, and personal reflections in a single, contemporary experience.

Registration is open for the Route 66 Centennial Classic Car Show at Pasadena Elks Lodge. To participate, complete the PDF registration form available on the club’s featured tab and mail it to the listed PO Box for processing. A 50/50 drawing will split proceeds between the winning ticket holder and the Elks Veteran Fund.

Part of One Colorado’s Courtyard Wellness Series, this session offers a calming blend of guided breathwork and an immersive sound bath led by Somer Skye Energy Works. It opens with intentional breathing to release tension, then flows into a restorative soundscape of crystal bowls and chimes enhanced by the rich tones of live cello. The atmosphere encourages deep rest, gentle reset, and renewed clarity. For extra comfort, blankets and pillows are welcome.

Burn of the Everflame arrives in a collectible hardcover that includes vibrant full color endpapers, a jacket with foil accents and embossing, and a uniquely designed case. This ticketed program at Arcadia Performing Arts Center centers on the never-before-published finale of the Kindred's Curse Saga, a slow burn epic romantasy about one woman who risks everything to protect her family and all mortalkind. Each ticket includes admission and a signed copy of the book, which will be distributed at check-in. There will not be a public signing for this program. Attendees are encouraged to wear red or black.

Immerse yourself in Armenian musical heritage as the Nurwind Duduk Quartet performs at the Center for Armenian Arts. With the expressive voice of the duduk at its heart, the ensemble offers a program that honors treasured traditions alongside contemporary interpretations. The quartet features Vahan Avetisyan, Mher Mnatsakanyan, Armen Adamian, and Tigran Avetisyan, joined by guest artists Albert Ordinyan on percussion and vocalists Haykuhi Babakhanyan and Petros Petrosyan to create a dynamic program. Whether discovering the instrument for the first time or returning as a longtime admirer, audiences can expect a celebration of culture and artistry. Tickets are priced at $48.75 and $69.50. Free parking is available for up to 90 minutes.

Readers gather for a lively conversation about The Bones of the Story by Carol Goodman. The discussion takes place outdoors beside the shop, in the circular area near Star Cafe. If attending in person is not possible, participants can email their reflections so they may be shared with the group. Copies of the book are available in print and, when available, as an e-book and a digital audiobook.

The Love Flamenco World Tour brings the raw power, deep emotion, and timeless spirit of flamenco to the stage, honoring a tradition recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Led by Antonio “El Turry”, a decorated and widely respected voice in contemporary cante, the performance showcases guitarist Marcos de Silvia, a rising talent and recent recipient of the Grammy Scholarship from the Paco de Lucía Foundation, alongside dancers Fuensanta Blanco and Vero La India, who embody strength, grace, and purity in motion. The ensemble also features singer Iván Carpio from Seville, noted for depth and tradition, Miguel “El Cheyenne”, a master of rhythm and palmas, and dancer Ricardo Fernández “El Tete”, an emerging figure with a strong track record in Spain’s leading tablaos. Music, dance, and feeling converge in an immersive experience that invites the audience to sense the heartbeat of flamenco and share in its intensity.

Ethno Colors, a contemporary folk ensemble from Armenia, brings a one-night performance to The Alex Theatre in Glendale in honor of Komitas Vardapet’s 157th birthday. The concert pays tribute to the composer and ethnomusicologist who dedicated his life to safeguarding Armenia’s musical heritage. Audiences can look forward to traditional instruments and folk melodies, fresh interpretations of Komitas’s works, and new arrangements that connect longstanding traditions with a modern sound. Presented by Armenian Arts, this program offers a warm celebration of Armenia’s cultural legacy for music enthusiasts, culture seekers, and the Armenian community.

At FlowState.Studio, this fusion dance gathering offers a lesson to start, an evening of Fusion Odyssey social dancing, and a "Midnight Mass" afters. The theme is to be announced and costumes are encouraged. The music lineup features DJ Opener, Pyro's NUCLEAR NINETY, and a closing set from DJ Pyro. Admission is $15, with tickets available in advance or at the door, and credit cards are accepted. The organizers rely on volunteers and provide free admission and beverages as thanks for contributing.

Sid The Cat presents Laura Itandehui at Healing Force of the Universe, spotlighting a singer, composer, and artist from Oaxaca, Mexico whose work weaves jazz, vocal improvisation, and Latin American popular rhythms with a poetic, personal touch. Her musical path began in childhood with the violin and early encounters with huapango, bolero, and jazz, and her songwriting echoes the emotional depth of artists such as José Alfredo Jiménez, Benny Moré, Joan Manuel Serrat, Víctor Jara, and Héctor Lavoe. She later studied Singing and Scat at the Jazz Academy of the Escuela Superior de Música, grounding her adventurous approach in strong technique and revealing a contemporary voice that connects tradition with fresh possibilities through a distinctly Mexican perspective.

Designed as a monthly workshop to support family healing, this session features a walk-and-talk that highlights the benefits of moving outdoors. The group will gather on the Rose Bowl Smaller Loop next to the fruit stand with the colorful umbrella, and parking can be found in Lot 1. Through a conversational stroll, participants will explore how time in nature can clear the mind and nurture overall wellness. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the walk will start on time.

Held at the Pasadena Convention Center, Los Angeles Small Business Expo 2026 is the city’s largest networking and educational event for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It brings together Los Angeles business owners to build connections and participate in learning aimed at increasing revenue and supporting business growth.

This event marks three decades of SCREAM with an immersive fan experience in Pasadena, centered at the Pasadena Convention Center. An exciting roster of special guests will be announced ahead of time. A discount is available with the code ILLBERIGHTBACK at checkout. The event is presented by Voodoo Magic Studios.

Explore resources for older adults and their families at a free senior expo taking place at Pasadena City College in the Campus Center Building, Creveling Lounge. Meet local organizations that assist seniors and families, and enjoy prize drawings, refreshments, and health screenings.

Bring your creativity to a laid-back outdoor crafting meetup at the Gamble House. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and settle beneath the big oak tree for making and conversation, and bring a take-along project like knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, drawing, coloring, watercolor, scrapbooking, collage, or another craft you enjoy. It is a casual, no-RSVP gathering that fosters community and creativity. The meetup will be canceled if it rains or if temperatures exceed 100°F.

Culver City English Country Dance presents the 2026 Playford-to-the-Present Ball for experienced dancers at Pasadena Scottish Rite. Renée Camus leads a spirited program accompanied by live music from Trio Con Brio, featuring Elke Baker on violin, Paul Oorts on mandolin, and Jonathan Jensen on piano. This event is intended for knowledgeable dancers who are comfortable with basic English Country Dance figures and familiar with the program’s dances. All dances, except FTWK dances, include a brief walk-through and prompting, and there is no teaching during the ball. Advanced registration is required and may be completed by mail or online. Payment is accepted by check, Zelle, or PayPal, with an additional fee applied to PayPal transactions. Refunds are available only in the event of cancellation. Opportunities to prepare include practice sessions ahead of the ball and a Ball Review at Skandia Hall in Pasadena, along with a Playford-to-the-Present Dance Workshop sponsored by Historical Tea & Dance.

The Jang Mu Won Hapkido tournament marks its 45th annual edition, hosted at the Alhambra location.

Celebrate the world of chocolate at an annual Los Angeles salon and festival that showcases artisan, gourmet, and premium creations. A curated selection assembled by the organizers brings together master chocolatiers, confectioners, and other culinary talents for an immersive tasting experience. Highlights include plentiful tastings, live demonstrations, chef discussions, and ongoing interviews hosted by TasteTV’s Chocolate Television. Previous lineups have featured participants such as Amano Artisan Chocolate, Codinha Chocolate, Venecacao Chocolateria, Goufrais, Letterpress Chocolate, 3D Candies, Truffles N Toffee, Mignon Chocolate, Phillip Ashley Chocolates, Melting Pot Candy, PRP Wine, La Noblezza Confectionary, P.O.P. Candy Co., Gourmet Blends, and Polar Seltzer. Admission includes access to tastings, demos, and related programming.

Mental Health Monday is a monthly workshop series that helps families heal. This session, Rebuilding More Than Homes: Restoring Emotional Well-Being After the Eaton Fire, explores how recovery includes restoring emotional health, relationships, and a sense of community, not just repairing buildings. It emphasizes resilience and hope, and shares practical steps individuals can use to support their mental and emotional well-being as recovery continues.

HMG the Company, a professional Los Angeles based dance company led by director Hannah Gallagher, presents its third annual production, Conclusion. This family friendly program offers an evening of dance with striking visuals and heartfelt emotion, created to inspire dancers, teachers, choreographers, and creatives of all ages. The performance takes place at The Alex Theatre in Glendale.

Race for the Rescues at the Rose Bowl brings the community together to support animal rescue in an event hosted by the Rescue Train. SCLRR will field a team that raises funds by walking the 1K or running or walking the 5K. Team registration includes a personalized fundraising page to share with friends and family, along with a T-shirt, and registration fees apply. An SCLRR booth will be on site where attendees can say hello and meet volunteers. Participants may plan to arrive closer to the start of the distance they want to take part in.

Hosted by Flores de Juanita, a woman-owned, Latina-owned CBD company, this Walk ’n Talk offers a supportive space for women navigating perimenopause or menopause to share real experiences and feel heard. It begins with a relaxed walk, continues with meaningful conversation, and concludes with coffee. The focus is on movement, connection, and community. Open to women in the area who are experiencing perimenopause or menopause and are interested in exploring alternative remedies to ease discomfort while connecting with others on the same path.

CatCon 2026 will take place at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili brings its Anniversary Tour to Glendale in celebration of 80 years. The program showcases standout dances from across the ensemble’s history, shaping a two hour narrative of struggle, pain, and the heroism of the Georgian people. The performance features distinctive costumes, virtuosic choreography, a live Georgian orchestra, and the driving energy of dancers who have captivated audiences around the world.

Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili presents an anniversary program at The Alex Theatre, marking 80 years of artistry. The performance stays rooted in Georgian folk traditions while embracing new ideas. Look for precise footwork, richly colored costumes, and storytelling that reflects the culture of Georgia. The milestone is being recognized all year with performances, exhibitions, and other events around the world, and this appearance is part of that larger celebration.

Readers gather for a discussion of Allen Levi’s Theo of Golden as part of an Adult Book Group that has been going strong for over 40 years at America’s Oldest Children’s Bookstore. All perspectives are welcome, whether the book has been loved, disliked, or not yet finished. The group meets in a hybrid format, offering participation in person or via Zoom. The virtual option is available by requesting a Zoom link via email to Jessica. Books are offered in print and, when possible, as an e-book and a digital audiobook.

10,000 Maniacs celebrate 45 years of music with a career-spanning concert that traces their path from Jamestown beginnings in 1981 to platinum success and more than 10 million records sold. Known for poetic songwriting and rich melodies, their legacy includes the long-charting breakthrough In My Tribe, the platinum follow-ups Blind Man’s Zoo and Our Time in Eden, and an MTV Unplugged release that featured Because the Night and sold over four million copies. Beloved songs such as Like the Weather, What’s the Matter Here?, Trouble Me, Candy Everybody Wants, and These Are Days have connected across generations. The current lineup features Mary Ramsey on lead vocals and viola with founding members Jerome Augustyniak on drums, John Lombardo on guitar, Dennis Drew on keyboards, and Steven Gustafson on bass, joined by guitarist Ben Medina. Marking the anniversary, the group is on tour, presenting the Candy Everybody Wants box set spotlighting their Elektra years of the 80s and 90s, and closing the year with their first album of new material in 12 years. This performance offers a live celebration of a songbook that continues to resonate with longtime followers and new listeners alike.

A full day of serious, cross disciplinary conversation on theology, philosophy, science, and technology comes to South Pasadena, bringing together ten widely varied voices for in depth dialogue rather than quick talks. The format centers on conversation without easy answers, encouraging thoughtful engagement with the questions that matter most. Speakers include Dr. Nancy Murphy exploring how technology reshapes ideas of human nature, consciousness, and personhood, Dr. Susan Ip-Jewell on ethical futures in exploration across medicine, space, and artificial intelligence, and Dr. Fran Fairbairn on social and AI epistemology with attention to truth, trust, and how knowledge systems work. John Michael Greer considers the relationship between technology, meaning, and civilizational strain, while Revd. Gary Noonan examines pastoral leadership and ethics in a more automated society. HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'man VIII addresses education from Plato’s Republic to the age of AI, Daniel Rivera looks at initiatory traditions, moral formation, and community in a high tech era, and Dru Wood reflects on symbolic systems and how people make meaning amid rapid technological change. Professor Keith Abney of Cal Poly discusses responsibility and agency in autonomous systems across AI and robotics. Each session is built as dialogue, with speakers bringing questions as well as perspectives, and participants invited to be part of the exchange. Capacity is limited, a paid registration is required, and early registration is recommended.

Celebrating a quarter century, this milestone gathering honors 25 years of the country’s largest airsoft convention. Admission is free, and friends and family are welcome.

At the Pasadena Convention Center, the Pasadena Home Show offers a convenient way to meet many companies in one place. Find fresh ideas and new products for your home, and connect with resources in remodeling, landscaping, and design services.

The Bruins welcome the Spartans to Rose Bowl Stadium for a Big Ten showdown that highlights two distinct playing styles. With UCLA on home turf in Pasadena and Michigan State seeking a statement on the road, expect pivotal tests along the line of scrimmage and in open space. As the season moves into its late stretch, the result could reveal where both programs stand.

A night of fusion dance at FlowState.Studio features a theme that will be announced, and costumes are encouraged. The evening starts with a fusion lesson, transitions into social dancing, and flows into a late night segment called Midnight Mass. Music includes an opening set by DJ Opener, Pyro’s Nuclear Ninety as a featured block, and a closing late night set from DJ Pyro. Admission is $15, with the option to purchase in advance or pay at the door with a credit card. The organizers welcome volunteers who help the event run smoothly, offering perks such as free admission and beverages. Those interested in DJing in the future can express interest for potential late night slots.

A spirited conversation centers on McMahon’s Head Cases, held outside the shop in the circle in front of Star Cafe. Those unable to attend in person can email their thoughts to be shared with the club. This mystery book group meets monthly, and copies of the selection are available in print and, when possible, in e-book and digital audiobook formats.

The adventure picks up with the second Lost Relic Market, returning to the original venue with even more vendors, activities, surprises, and a bigger sense of discovery. Collectors, cosplayers, explorers, movie lovers, and treasure seekers can expect an expanded gathering compared to the first outing. The focus is on adventure-themed collectibles, costumes, memorabilia, props, and artwork, all in a setting that honors the classic serials and films that have influenced generations. Additional details are on the horizon, including announcements about special guests, contests, activities, and participating vendors. Watch for updates and dust off that fedora... the hunt starts anew.

The Adult Book Group focuses on Amity by Nathan Harris. Readers at any stage are welcome, whether you finished the novel, disliked it, or are still making your way through it. This long-running club has been meeting for more than forty years at America's Oldest Children's Bookstore. Participation is available in a hybrid format with options to attend in person or via Zoom, and the Zoom link can be requested by emailing Jessica. Books are offered in print and, when available, as an e-book and a digital audiobook.

David Sedaris brings his sharp wit to The Pasadena Civic following the release of his latest short story collection, The Land and Its People. Known for his distinctive style and incisive humor, he shares brand-new, unpublished stories alongside commentary that blends laughs with reflection. The evening centers on a reading, with book signings scheduled before and after the program.

Illinois Fighting Illini face the UCLA Bruins in a football game at Rose Bowl Stadium. The pairing brings a cross-conference feel in a historic venue and provides a chance to see how Illinois handles a road test against a Big Ten opponent in a new setting.

Artazan is a handcraft market at the Pasadena Convention Center featuring 200 exhibits along with special events. Attendees can explore work by painters, jewelers, chocolatiers, and textile artists, with live music, free drawings, and workshops in painting and jewelry making. Founded by artisans influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, the showcase emphasizes traditional techniques, rich color, meticulous detail, and a deep appreciation for nature. Discover handprinted fabrics, handloomed textiles, handcrafted jewelry, handsewn clothing, woodworking, original paintings, artisan foods, and more, all created by independent artisans and studio artists. Meet the makers, enjoy the creative atmosphere, and celebrate the artistry of handcraft.

Pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman brings his signature blend of pop and classical influences to The Alex Theatre, with a touch of holiday cheer. With more than three decades of music-making and many accolades, he invites listeners to experience his well-known hits in a fresh way. The program showcases enduring melodies and sincere lyrics, featuring favorites such as Valentine, The Gift, and Love of My Life, among others. Staying true to his commitment to play the songs fans love, he breathes new life into these pieces in concert and seeks a deep connection with every listener.